JAPAN ESCAPE
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The Culture
Hospitality:
Japanese hospitality, known as omotenashi, is rooted in anticipation of guests’ needs without expecting anything in return. From hotel staff to taxi drivers, expect politeness, punctuality, and extraordinary attention to detail in service.
Customs and Etiquette:
Bowing is the standard form of greeting and shows respect. Always remove your shoes before entering a home or certain traditional inns (ryokan) and temples. Silence is valued in public transport. It’s considered rude to eat or talk loudly on trains. Respect for hierarchy and elders is central to Japanese behavior. Modest clothing is appreciated, especially in temples and shrines.
Festivals and Celebrations:
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Hanami (March–April): A springtime tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially popular in Tokyo and Kyoto parks.
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Gion Matsuri (July): Kyoto’s most famous festival, with grand parades and floats.
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Obon (August): A Buddhist event honoring ancestors, often with lanterns and traditional dances (bon odori).
Traditional Food
Traditional Dishes:
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Sushi & Sashimi: Fresh seafood served raw or atop vinegared rice.
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Ramen: Noodle soup in a variety of broths (shoyu, miso, tonkotsu).
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Okonomiyaki: Savory pancakes, popular in Osaka.
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Takoyaki: Fried octopus balls, another Osaka specialty.
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Tempura: Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.
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Kaiseki: A multi-course meal emphasizing seasonal ingredients and presentation.
Beverages:
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Green Tea (Matcha): Deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and tea ceremonies.
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Sake: Traditional rice wine, served hot or cold.
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Shochu: A stronger distilled spirit, often enjoyed on the rocks or with water.
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Calpis, Ramune, and Japanese bottled teas are widely available and refreshing.
Rich History
Ancient Civilizations:
Japan’s early culture emerged during the Jomon and Yayoi periods, developing unique art forms like pottery and early Shinto beliefs.
Feudal Japan:
From the 12th to 19th century, Japan was ruled by shoguns, with samurai as the military nobility. Kyoto served as the imperial capital, while castles like Osaka’s stood as regional strongholds.
Edo Period (1603–1868):
A time of cultural refinement, peace, and isolation from the West. Kabuki theater, tea ceremonies, and woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) flourished.
Meiji Restoration & Modern Era:
In 1868, Japan rapidly modernized and industrialized, adopting Western technology while retaining traditional values. Post-WWII Japan became a global leader in technology, fashion, and culture.
Natural Highlights
Mt. Fuji
Japan’s most iconic peak and a symbol of national pride. Often viewed on the way to Hakone or during day trips from Tokyo.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto)
A peaceful forest path of towering bamboo stalks — surreal and serene.
Nara Park
Home to freely roaming sacred deer and Japan’s oldest temples like Todai-ji.
Tokyo Skytree
Modern marvel offering panoramic city views.
Shibuya Sky
A high-rise observatory with stunning nightscapes of Tokyo’s neon-lit skyline.
Osaka Bay Area
Where you’ll find Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium, and the futuristic Umeda Sky Building.
Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari (Kyoto)
Temples rich with cultural significance, including the iconic red torii gate pathways.
- Japan Scenic Wonders
Japan Reality Escape
Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT).
Meet your driver and enjoy a private transfer to your Tokyo hotel.
Check-in and relax after your journey.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the nearby cityscape or local dining spots.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Inclusions: Private airport transfer.
Day 2
Tokyo Sightseeing Experience
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Board the Tokyo Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus to explore the city’s highlights at your own pace.
Visit popular attractions like Asakusa Temple, Shibuya Crossing, and the Imperial Palace (as per your selected route).
Head to the iconic Tokyo Skytree and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the observation deck.
Return to your hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket, Tokyo Skytree entry ticket.
Day 3
Mt. Fuji Day Tour
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for a full-day guided tour to Mount Fuji and surrounding areas.
Visit the Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting) for incredible views.
Explore the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi or Oshino Hakkai village.
Optionally enjoy a ropeway ride or cruise depending on your tour.
Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Guided Mt. Fuji tour, Transfers.
Day 4
Train Journey to Kyoto
Have an early breakfast and check out from your Tokyo hotel.
Board the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
Arrive and transfer to your Kyoto hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore or relax.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Shinkansen train tickets.
Day 5
Kyoto Exploration
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.
Head out for a full-day guided tour of Kyoto’s heritage sites.
Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
In the evening, take a walking tour through the Gion district, famous for geishas and traditional teahouses.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Inclusions: Breakfast, City day tour, Evening Gion district tour.
Day 6
Nara Park Excursion and Transfer to Osaka
- Begin your day with a delightful breakfast and prepare for a visit to Japan’s first capital, Nara.
- Stroll through peaceful Nara Park, where you’ll meet friendly free-roaming deer in a lush, green setting.
- Visit Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s Great Buddha inside one of the world’s largest wooden buildings.
- Later in the day, transfer to Osaka and check into your hotel in the bustling city.
- Spend your evening at leisure—relax or explore Osaka’s food streets like Dotonbori or Namba.
- Overnight stay in Osaka.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Day Tour to Nara park with drop at Osaka.
Day 7
Osaka Castle, Aquarium and Sky Building
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to discover the highlights of Osaka.
- Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums with fascinating sea creatures and marine ecosystems.
- Explore Osaka Castle, a majestic symbol of the city surrounded by moats, gardens, and historical exhibits.
- Head to the Umeda Sky Building and ride up to the Floating Garden Observatory for stunning panoramic views.
- Later, explore the lively streets of Dotonbori—famous for neon lights, food stalls, and the iconic Glico sign.
- End the day with a relaxed dinner at one of Osaka’s local restaurants.
- Overnight stay in Osaka.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Private transfer, Entry tickets to Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building
Day 8
Universal Studios
Have an early breakfast at the hotel.
Spend a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Japan with rides, shows, and themed zones like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Enjoy thrilling attractions and family-friendly fun.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Osaka.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Universal Studios ticket
Day 9
Osaka Leisure Day
Start with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy a free day to explore Osaka’s shopping streets like Dotonbori or relax at your own pace.
Optionally take a full-day guided tour to Amanohashidate—one of Japan’s top scenic views (available at additional cost).
Return to hotel and rest.
Overnight stay in Osaka.
Inclusions: Breakfast. (Optional tour at additional cost)
Day 10
Return to Tokyo – Art & Skyline
Have breakfast and check out from your Osaka hotel.
Board a bullet train back to Tokyo.
Visit the mesmerizing teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
Later, enjoy sweeping skyline views from Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Return to your hotel and unwind.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Shinkansen tickets, teamLab & Shibuya Sky entry tickets.
Day 11
Departure from Tokyo
Enjoy your final breakfast in Japan.
Check out and meet your driver for a private transfer to Narita International Airport.
Depart with unforgettable memories of your Japan adventure.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Private airport transfer.
More about Asia
More about Japan
More about this tour
Japan is an archipelago of over 6,800 islands characterized by coastal lowlands, rugged mountains, and volcanic activity. Its climate ranges from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south. Japan is vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. Known for its technological innovation, high literacy rates, and universal healthcare system, Japan blends ancient traditions with modern efficiency. It has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 22 items on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Japan is globally admired for its cuisine, pop culture, and deep cultural refinement.
